Switch activating system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for activating an electrical circuit for control purposes by bringing a portable electrical code generator or field modifying electrical circuit into a short wave energy field generated in the vicinity of a short wave receiver and causing energy of said field to be absorbed by said portable circuit and to trigger or energize the portable code generating circuit to cause it to generate a short wave code which is received by said short wave receiver. A code detector in the output of said short wave receiver detects the code received and activates the relay or switch which effects the control of an electrically activated device or circuit by supplying electrical energy thereto. The portable device may be supported by a finger ring, wristband, card or other means.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 121,894 filed Feb. 15,1980, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,189, which is a continuation of Ser. No.849,785 filed Nov. 9, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,712.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for enabling a machineto operate, a door to open or for controlling or initiating theoperation of a machine or the opening of a door. The invention isparticularly directed to such a system which is electronicallycontrolled and in a preferred form, employs code generating means in theform of a coded ring to be worn by a person or subscribers to the systemand an automatic means for reading the codes of the rings to cause orenable a switch, such as an automobile ignition switch or a switch foroperating a machine, or a door lock to open or a door driving motor tooperate to open a door. The invention is also directed to improvementsin the structures of coded rings and the like for use in such systems.

The conventional key operated door lock has been in use for centuriesand suffers a number of important shortcomings including its ability tobe picked or opened by a master key or a duplicate key. It is alsoburdensome upon a person having a supply of a number of keys to find therequisite key for a particular lock, properly locate the selected key inalignment with the keyhole of the lock, insert and turn the key to openthe lock. Systems have also been developed which are electronicallyoperated but require the complex pushing of pushbuttons to sequentiallyclose a series of switches to generate a code to effect opening of alock, a procedure which is difficult and time consuming.

The instant invention is directed to a simple electronic means forgenerating an electrical code in response to reading a recording of suchcode provided in the crown or alongside the crown of a finger ring toenable a switch to close or a doorlock to open or to directly effectsuch closure or opening when the finger ring is disposed adjacent to orthe crown portion thereof within a recepticle containing electronicreading means for the code recording thereof. The code may be in theform of printed or photographic matter provided within the crown behindor within the light transmitting jewel or crown of the ring, or may alsocomprise castings forming part of the crown or the ring base, magneticmeans, reflective elements or light sources within the ring which areactivated by a battery therein or external energy supplied thereto by anenergy filed in the vicinity of the lock or switch to be closed. Byemploying a simple code generating or sensing means for the code in afinger ring, the user or subscriber to the system need not go throughthe time consuming procedures of manipulating (after finding) a key toopen a lock or close a switch; the only operation being the placement ofthe hand wearing the ring adjacent to or in alignment with a readingdevice or receiver for the ring code.

Accordingly it is a primary object of this invention to provide a newand improved system and method for opening a door lock and/or a door.

Another object is to provide a system for easily closing a switch tocontrol the operation or starting of a machine, such as a motor vehicle,wherein persons not authorized to effect such switch operation may notdo so.

Another object is to provide a control system for a machine or foropening a door or lock which is not burdensome and which enables suchcontrol by a simple movement of the hand to a predetermined location orin the vicinity thereof.

Another object is to provide a simple lock opening means which does notrequire a key or the complex operation of pushbutton switches.

Another object is to provide a new and improved personal detectionsystem employing coded finger rings worn by users of the system toeffect such detection and, in certain instances, auxilliary electronicmeans to complete or effect detection of subscribers to the system toreduce the possibility of fraud in operation of the system.

Another object is to provide a security system for buildings whichemploys simple means for opening doors and locks, which means isfoolproof in operation and is inexpensive to produce.

Another object is to provide improvements in door locks and meansopening same without the use of keys.

Another object is to provide a door lock or the like which may be openedboth by electronically controlled means without a key and also by meansof a key.

Another object is to provide an electronic control system for opening adoor or lock in response to the detection of variations in an energyfield caused by circuit means associated with a finger ring and/or acard carried by the person wearing the ring.

Another object is provide improvements in the structures of coded orsignal generating finger rings for use in security and lock openingsystems.

Another object is to provide a security system employing a radiationfield or series of such fields and a plurality of detection means formeans varying such field or fields.

Another object is to provide an antitheft system employing electronicdetection means for a coded device carried by a person.

With the above and such other objects in view as may hereinafter morefully apperar, the invention consists of the novel constructions,combinations and arrangements of parts as will be more fully describedand illustrated in the accompanying drawings but it is to be understoodthat variations, changes and modifications may be resorted to which fallwithin the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the broad components of an electronicsystem for enabling or effecting the opening of a lock or door or theclosure of a switch.

FIG. 2A is a plan view with a portion removed of a finger ringcontaining reflective or otherwise provided code elements within orbehing the crown of the ring.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the ring of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic code comparatoremployable in the system of FIG. 1 and other systems of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system for readingoptically recorded codes of finger rings, by means of a bank ofphotoelectric cells;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a modified electronic system forphotelectrically reading codes of rings wherein photoelectric detectionmeans of made to more while scanning the ring code.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a photoelectric means for reading ringsupported codes which are defined by variations in color.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a ring code reading system wherein thering contains light emitting means to define code.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a security system employing codes whichare generated electronically within finger rings used in the system, and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system employing a fingerring containing a battery operated code genation circuit or circuits,and

FIG. 10 is a side view of a finger ring with parts sectioned forclarity, used in one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a modified form of the ring of FIG. 10 in cross sectionand

FIG. 12 shows yet another modified form of ring in cross section.

FIG. 13 shows details of a code signal generator ring 11C of the typeprovided in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 shows a modified form of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 shows details of the watch 96 of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 is shown an electronic system 10 which may be employed, in theparticular embodiment illustrated, to open an electrically operated lockand/or to activate another device or control switch when a finger heldring is brought into the vicinity of a sensor or pick up means. Thesensor or pick up may be built into or disposed adjacent a lock for adoor, safe, machine or other device which is operable to sense certaincoded characteristics such as optical code marks or other meansassociated with the crown or base of the ring as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The crown 24 of ring 11 may be manuallydisposed or pushed into a cavity or recess 14 formed in a receptacle 13which is part of or assembled to a housing 12A forming part of the lockpickup assembly 12 which may comprise part of a modifiedelectro-mechanical door lock or may be disposed adjacent thereto in thevicinity of the lock.

Electronic circuits located within housing 12A of the lock pickup 12 areresponsive to the signal outputs of one or more sensors disposedadjacent to the receptacle 13 and generate a parallel code on paralleloutputs 12B of the pickup which outputs extend to an electronic codecomparator 15. The comparator 15 compares the parallel code with one ormore authorized codes presented to it from a memory 16. If the codepresented to comparator 15 on the outputs 12B does not match the codepresented to it from the memory 16, the lock will not be activated oropened. If the code so presented matches the code or codes in thecomparator memory 16, a signal is generated on an output 15A ofcomparator 15 which is either applied directly/or indirectly to a motoror solenoid 21 operating the lock 21L to open. In FIG. 1, a logical ANDcircuit 17 is not only connected to the output circuit 15A of codecomparator 15 but also has, as a second input, a circuit 18A extendingfrom a code transceiving circuit 18. The circuit 18 receives energizinginput from an antenna 19 generating an activating signal on output 18Ain response to the presence of a properly coded card 20 in the range ofthe field radiated from antenna 19. In other words, the transceiver 18includes suitable oscillator means for generating an energy field F inthe vincinity of the antenna 19, which energy field is altered ormodified by means of the coded card 20, which contains suitableelectronic circuits for effecting such modification and suchmodification is detected by variations in the energy received by antenna19 and transmitted to code transceiver 18. Thus, if the card 20, forexample, is carried by a person on whose finger the ring 11 is alsosupported, the presence of the ring 11 at the receptacle 13 and the card20 in the pocket or otherwise held by the same person would be requiredin order to energize the lock activating motor or solenoid control 21 tooperate the lock servo controlling the operation of the lock 21L.

In FIG. 1, a switch 15S is shown in the output 15A of the codecomparator 15 for connecting said output 15A to either the input and theAND logical circuit 17 or the input to the lock activating control 21.The switch 15S may be set by hand, by remote control means or othermeans, or may be eliminated wherein the output 15A of code comparator 15is connected either directly to the control means 21 or the AND circuit17. In the former case, the presence of ring 11 at the receptacle 13will be surfficient to cause the lock 21L to be automatically opened. Inthe latter case, the presence of ring 11 and the coded card or device 20in their respective scanning fields will be required to effect openingof the lock 21L.

It is noted that all of the devices illustrated in FIG. 1, with theexception of the ring 11 and the code generating device 20, may besupported within a single housing which may be disposed adjacent to orcomprise part of the lock housing. Notation 22 refers to a suitablesource of electrical energy such as a battery or line current, acombination of the two or other means for supplying electrical energyfor powering the electronic devices associated with the variouscomponents illustrated and described.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B is shown one form of a coded finger ring whichemploys optically coded means. The ring 11 is formed with a circularring portion 23 which is intended to fit and hold the assembly aroundthe finger of the hand, and a crown portion 24 is attached to the ringportion 23. Coded elements 25 are formed on or disposed within the crownportion 24 and may contain printed, cast, assembled or otherwise formeddark and light portions or bands of color, arrays of light emittingdiodes, liquid crystal display elements or other optical means arrangedtherein to form a unique code which is recognizable by the lock system10 when scanned, for example, by a scanning means located within thelock pickup housing 12A. The code bearing elements 25 may be covered andprotected by a transparent jewel or window 24J employed for ornamentalpurposes and to hide and protect the coded elements 25. The codedelements 25 may also comprise reflex reflecting material orcorner-reflecting material formed, for example, by molding the rearsurface of the jewel 24J or the front surface of the mounting plate 24P.By providing such a reflex reflecting material or surface and disposinga thin coded strip or bar-printed material between the relfector orreflecting surface and the jewel 24J, scanning light generated, forexample, by a light source located within the lock pickup housing 12Amay be passed through the jewel and reflected back to the lock pickupafter being modulated by the variations in color or density provided bythe printed strip disposed within or against the back of the jewel infront of the reflecting surface of the ring and may be utilized toprovide a variable electrical signal or signals in the form of a code onthe output or outputs of one or more photoelectric detectors locatedwithin or adjacent receptacle 13 to provide the code described on theoutputs 12B of the pickup.

In FIG. 3 is shown a code comparator and memory which may be utilized todefine the elements 15 and 16 of the system 10 of FIG. 1. Input lines 26extend to a series of logical AND switching elements 27 denoted 27A-27D,on which inputs 26 is generated an unidentified code, for example, bymeans of a plurality of photoelectric detectors receiving reflectedlight from the coded portion of the ring 11. The other inputs to the ANDcircuits 27A-27D are from a memory 28 which may vary from a full dynamicmemory containing a number of authorized codes or may be merely selectedwires connected to supply appropriate polarities to form the codepresented to the AND elements 27A-27D. When the code presented on theoutputs 28A-28D of the memory 28 are matched by the codes presented onthe circuits 26A-26D connected to the inuts 26, and AND circuits 27A-27Dwill each generate an output and when the four outputs thereof arepresent on the inputs to a second AND circuit 29, its output 29A willbecome activated with a signal. The latter output extends to one inputof a logical AND circuit 30 havingg another input 31 activated when, forexample, the presence of the ring 11 and/or the card 20 is detected.When the AND circuit 30 has both its inputs activated, a signal isgenerated on its output 32 which is employed to operate the lock servoor a control for operating same so as to effect, for example, theopening of the lock.

In FIG. 4 is shown a modified form of the system 10 of FIG. 1 denoted10A and employing static optical means for sensing the coded informationpresented to the receptacle 13 when the crown of the ring 11 is disposedwithin the cavity of the receptacle 13. A normally open limit switch 33contains a switch activating lever or actuator 34 which closes theswitch when the ring crown is disposed within the cavity 14. Closure ofswitch 33 supplies current for activating a light source 35, such as anincandescent lamp disposed within or adjacent the receptacle 13 and theflag or energizing input 31 to a code comparator 15 of the typedescribed. Light from source 35 is directed through the jewel or crownof ring 11 illuminating the coded elements 25 thereof and the reflectedlight is directed to a plurality of photoelectric cells 36 such asphototransistors, photodiodes or the like, through respective opticallenses 37. The photoelectric cells 36 respond to the coded light whichis reflected from the code defining means located within the ring 11 andgenerate a parallel code on their outputs which may be representative ofblack and white bars or color variations within the ring. If differentcolors are employed to form the code within the ring, color filters 38may be employed to make the photosensors 36 responsive only to the wavelength of light passed by its respective filter. In either case,threshhold detectors 39 such as Schmidt trigger circuits, operationslamplifiers or other means denoted 39A-39D eliminate ambiguities in theoutputs of the photosensors and buffers such outputs. The codecomparator circuit 15, which was previously described, admits the codefrom the threshhold detectors 39 on input lines 26 and, if the code sodetected is in accordance with the code presented by the memoryconnected to or disposed within the comparator 15, the output 32 of thecomparator becomes activated with a signal which is passed to a drivecircuit 40 which buffers the comparator output 15 for subsequentapplication to operate a servo device 21, such as a solenoid or motor,to operate the lock.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first construction in a scanning type of key ringcode reader in a system 10B employing a moving photoelectric scanningmeans. The ring 11 is shown about to be inserted into the cavity 14 of areceptacle 13 of the type described and, when so manually moved andpositioned, activates a read limit switch 41 which initiates systemoperation by supplying power to an illumination means 42, such as anelectric lamp or light emitting diode. The lamp 42 illuminates the codedsurface or code bearing elements 25 of the ring 11. When the read switch41 is closed, it also activates a solenoid or motor 43 which drives amounting plate 44 for a photosensor, such as a photodiode,phototransistor, or photoelectric cell 45 which is supported therebytogether with a lens 46 and, if the code is defined by variations incolor, color filters 47. A position locating index 48 is also supportedby mounting plate 44. The plate 44 is moved toward and against theresistance of a return mechanism including a spring 96. This movementshifts the photosensor 45 in a scanning path to scan the variations inlight caused by the coded array or strip 25 of the ring causing thephotosensor to sense the relative reflected light contrast of each baror spot of the coded array thereof which is printed or otherwiseprovided within the ring crown housing. The signal from photosensor 45is input to a threshhold detector 54 which is connected to one input ofrespective of a parallel array of logical AND circuits 51, which aredenoted 51A-51D. A projection or pin defining a location index 48 formspart of the plate 44 and moves therewith to sequentially and momentarilyclose a plurality of normally open switch contacts denoted 49A, 49B, 49Cand 50, each of which pairs of contacts, when closed, indicates thecomponent of the code of the coded strip 25 within the housing of thering 11 which the photosensor 45 is reading at such time.

Switches 49A,49B,49C & 49D are connected to energize the other inputs toa plurality of logical AND circuits denoted 51A-51D, in sequence as thephotosensor 45 scans the code or coded strip 25. Whenever both inputs ofeach of the AND circuits 51 are simultaneously activated, the output ofthat AND circuit activates the set input of a corresponding latchcircuit 52, with each of the latch circuits denoted 52A-52D in FIG. 5.The latch circuits 52, in turn, activate a corresponding input 21 to acode comparator and memory 15 which is constructed as described in FIG.3. When the location index 48 actuates the switch 50 near the end of thethrow or travel of the mounting plate 44, the closure of said latterswitch gates electrical energy to the flag input 31 of code comparator15 causing the comparator to electrically compare the codes presented tothe input lines 26 thereof with the authorized code or codes defined bythe memory provided in or connected to the comparator and, if the codeso presented to the comparator matches the code or codes of the memoryassociated therewith, an activation signal is generated in the output ofthe comparator and passed to a driver circuit 53. The driver circuit 53,in turn, activates lock motor control circuit 21 which operates the lockmotor or solenoid, as described, to effect the automatic opening of thelock.

When location index switch 50 is closed, it activates a delay circuit54, which may be a monostable multi-vibrator. The delay circuit 54,after a predetermined period of time, which is long enough for circuitoperation and for the operator to pass through the locked door,activates the reset lines to all of the latches 52 thereby clearing themfor their next use and resetting or relocking the lock circuit 21.

In FIG. 6 is shown an alternative optical scanning system 10C associatedwith the lock opening circuit of the type described whereby aphotosensor 62, fixed with an associated lens 63, and a strip 58 ofdifferent wave length transmission filters 58F is supported withinhousing 12A for movement by means of a solenoid or motor 57 and, isshifted in front of a light source 56, thereby changing the color of theillumination source.

When key ring 11 is inserted into the cavity 14 of a receptacle 13 ofthe type described, which is attached to the lock pickup housing 12A, itdepresses the actuator arm of a read limit switch 55 causing it to closeto supply electrical energy to a light source 56 and it also activates asolenoid or motor 57 which is operable to drive a color filter bar 58containing a location index tab 59 past the light source 56 against thepull of the return spring 97. As the location index 59 passes over thebank of sensing switches 60 and switch 61, which may comprise an arrayof photodetectors or spring biased contact pairs, it activates each onesequentially so as to provide a position indication on each output linethereof at a time. Output lines extending from photosensor 62 and fromlocation sensing switches or sensors 60 and the line from theend-of-scan location sensing switch or photosensor 61 are connected tothe corresponding inputs to the logical AND switching circuits denoted51A to 51E. The system defined in FIG. 6 contains additional switchingand control elements, as set forth in FIG. 5, and the remainingoperation thereof is similar to that of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates another arrangement for a key ring system 10Demploying optically readable means in the form of coded elements whichare light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays or similar deviceswhich, by means of their physical arrangement, comprise the code to beread. Key ring 11 contains active light emitting or light controlelements 64 such as light emitting diodes or liquid crystal displayelements mounted within or behind the crown of the ring which, when itis inserted into the cavity 14 of the receptacle 13 of the lock pickup12, activates a limit switch 65 of the type described which, upon beingclosed by means of the ring actuation thereof, supplies power for anoscillator circuit 66 and the read flag for the code comparator 15 so asto initiate operation of the system. Coupling coil 67 which is connectedto the power oscillator circuit 66 radiates an energy field when poweredby oscillator 66 which field is partially absorbed by a pickup coil 68which is located within the housing defined by the crown of ring 11.Pickup coil 68 may be tuned in conjunction with a capacitance 69 so asto generate an alternating current flow in the circuits connectedthereto which include a plurality of light emitting devices such aslight emitting diodes denoted 70 and 71. A bank of photosensors 74A to74D located within or behind the receptacle 13 and optically coupledthereto through small windows in the receptacle or a transparent portionof the receptacle wall, sense the spots of illumination generated by thelight emitting diodes 64 supported within or behind the crown of thering. Such pattern of light may be passed through optional lenses 73supported within or behind the receptacle 13 so as to energize theoutputs of the photosensors in a parallel code array. Such outputs maybe connected to the parallel inputs of a comparator 15 as described andcompared therein with a parallel code generated by a memory forming partof or connected to the comparator. The remaining circuitry for operatingthe lock servo or servos or other devices described, is similar to thecircuitry and devices previously described.

In FIG. 8 is shown a non-optical system 10E for the reading of a codedkey ring for the purpose of opening a lock or closing a switch asdescribed, wherein electro-magnetic coupling means is provided. Key ring11B contains one or more circuits 71 of the microminiature type whichmay comprise a plurality of microtransistors and connecting circuitsdisposed on a substrate and operable to generate a code when thecircuits are energized. Insertion of the crown of the ring into thecavity 14 of the receptacle 13 activates a read switch 72 which connectsa source of electrical energy to the control means which includes avoltage controlled oscillator 73 containing a loop antenna for radiatingthe energy of the oscillator in the vicinity of the lock pickup housing12A.

When a tuned circuit, such as a portable device of the type described,enters the field generated by the oscillator, such circuit absorbs someof the oscillator's energy and thereby loads the oscillator and causescertain electrical parameters to change in the oscillator's activecomponents. In this case the oscillator is voltage controlled and thecurrent parameter changes are experienced on the output 76 thereof. Thetuned circuit is contained in ring 11B as part of the circuit orcircuits 71 and consists of an inductance 80 which is provided inparallel with a capacitance 81 and may be one of a number of similarcircuits tuned to different specific frequencies formin a specific code.

Voltage controlled oscillator 73 is tuned by the progessively increasingvoltage available from a staircase generator 75 which also has a codedoutput corresponding to the voltage "step" on the staircase generator'swaveform, which corresponds to the specific frequency of the voltagecontrolled oscillator, which output is subsequently applied to acomparator 15 of the type described, through a plurality of inputs 26thereto.

Current sensing output 76 is connected to a threshhold detector 77 andwhen the voltage controlled oscillator 73 senses the properly tunedcircuit 71, it triggers the threshhold detector 77 which activates theinput flag 31 of the code comparator 15. If the code so generated ismatched within the comparator 15, the output 32 thereof is energized andactivates the driver circuit 78 which activates control 79 for the motoror solenoid of the lock or any other suitable device denoted 79M. It isnoted that the circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 may also be activated froma remote location for the purpose of remotely controlling a machineelement or a door operating mechanism for opening and/or closing thedoor. In this arrangement, all the lock pickup circuits are eliminated.In their place is provided a directional antenna 98, such as a hornantenna. If ring 11 is brought into the operating range or field of thehorn antenna, it may be employed to activate a comparator means of thetype described or utilized to provide the described remote controlledoperation of a motor for opening or closing a door.

In FIG. 9 is shown an arrangement whereby an active circuit may beemployed to operate a controlled device such as a lock or a motoroperating a garage door. A key ring 11 of the type described contains acircuit 82 activated by the wearer when a switch 86 is manually closed.A battery 85, preferably located in the crown portion of the ring 11,supplies power through a switch 86 to a code generator 83 and atransmitter 84. Code generator 83 provides a uniquely coded short wavesignal which is radiated on an antenna 87 connected to the transmitter84. The signal is picked up by a receiving antenna 88 and made availableto a receiver 89 connected thereto. When the signal is received byreceiver 89, it is detected and transmitted to a driver circuit 90,which, when so activated, operates a control 91 for motor or solenoidfor opening or closing a door, or a switch for operating a machine.

In FIG. 10 is shown means for constructing a multiplicity ofelectronically tuned elements in a small space such as within thehousing of a lock or a sensor housing as described. Electronic circuits92 are formed of thin circuit board material, such as thin sheetplastic, with an inductance created by folding the plastic sheet backand forth against itself. The capacitance may be added with a fixed ortrimmer capacitor or may be created by closely spacing the circuitpatterns. Several such "discs" may be layered, one on top of another,and placed on a non-metallic back support 93 which is mounted on thesupport 94 for the crown for a ring 11, a button or other means which iscovered by a decorative jewel providing both an aesthetically pleasingand compact assembly which contains a multiplicity of tuned or codedcircuits.

In FIG. 11 is shown details of the optically coded finger ring employedin the systems illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7. The ring 11 is formed with ametal or plastic ring portion 23 adapted to circumscribe and be heldaround a finger of the hand. Crown portion 24 is of greater thicknessthan ring portion 23 and is formed of an assembly of the frontal portionor base 23B of the ring portion, the transparent jewel 24J and anannular crown ring or collar 24A. The collar 24A has a stepped internalsurface as shown to permit it to threadably assemble with the treadedbase of the ring and to compressively engage the jewel and effect asealed assembly therewith. Jewel 24J has an upper portion 24JA with aconcave outer surface 24JS which is preferably smooth and polished witha lens-like configuration although such surface may be flat to define awindow through which scanning light may be passed in both directions.The back end of the jewel 24J is defined by a stepped shelf 24JB and therear surface thereof is flat to permit it to compressively engage withor have flatly bonded thereto a disc shaped sheet 25S containing coloredindicia or reflective material 25R defining the described reflectingcode bars or spots which may also be in the form of concentric circularbars of opaque and reflecting material, colored inks and/or a maskdisposed across a reflex reflecting material bonded to or defining thesheet 25S. Various other code defining indicia in differentconfigurations may also be employed for the sheet 25S or materialdisposed thereon.

The shelf 24JB is engaged by a circular lip portion 24B of the collar24A which, when the internal threads 24T of the lower portion of theinside suface of the collar engage and are tightened against theexternal threads formed in the side wall of the base 23B of the ring 23,compressively secures the jewel against the code bearing sheet 25Swherein the latter is compressed against the flat outer face of the base23B of the ring.

The underside of the lip portion 24B which engages the outer surface ofthe shelf 24JB of the jewel 24J is provided with a sealing washer 96Awhich may comprise an O-ring seal seated in a groove or channel formedin said lip portions lower surface and is operable to effect a fluidpressure or hermetic seal between the collar's lip portion and thejewel's shelf portion. A second sealing ring or O-ring 96B is disposedbetween the lower face of the collar 24A and an annular surface 23S ofthe ring 23 which extends beyond the treaded portion 24T of the base.Thus if it is desired to change the coded disc 25S or a mask associatedtherewith, collar 24A may be unscrewed permitting the jewel 24J to beremoved from engagement with the disc and the disc to be replaced withanother.

In FIG. 11, the disc 25S may also comprise a printed circuit ormicrominiature integrated circuit chip, as described, for generating acode in response to the energy of a radiation field into which the ringis brought, or for altering a radiation field in a coded manner suchthat detection thereof may be made as described by a receiver in thevicinity of the radiation or short wave generating field generator.

FIG. 12 shows a coded ring structure somewhat similar to that providedin FIG. 11 with the exception that the electrooptically scannable dischas been replaced by a microiminiature electronic chip or printedcircuit disc 64B containing circuit elements or light emitting diodes64, as described and suitable current generating means 64C for poweringsaid diodes when in a suitable radiation field for energizing saidgenerating means. The rear face of the jewel 24J has a recess 24JDformed therein to accomodate the chip or support 64B for the circuitelements and/or light emitting diodes.

In FIG. 13 is shown details of a code signal generating ring 11C of thetype provided in FIG. 9 containing a small disc shaped battery 85 forpowering a code generating circuit supported on a disc shaped substrate82C held within the ring. The circuit 82, which is shown in FIG. 9, issupported on either or both surfaces of the disc or chip 82 which alsocontains interconnecting circuit elements or leads engaging theterminals of the battery 85 which seats in a recess 23PC formed in aplug recepticle 23P which is cylindrically shaped and externallythreaded at 23PT to engage the threads 23BT of the base 23B of the ringbore 23RB. A collar 24A is employed as described to retain a jewel 24J,similar to the jewel of FIG. 11, in compressive and sealing assemblyagainst a partially compressed flexible washer 99 which is made of/aconductive elastomer. The ring or washer 99 bridges two closely spacedflat strip circuit elements (not shown) formed on the upper surface ofthe substrate 82C and provides a conducting path thereacross when thecrown jewel 24J is pressed, as by applying finger pressure thereto,toward the center of the ring and the circuit elements are so providedthat, when such conducting path is established, the battery 85, which iscompressively connected to the lead circuits of the board, will beconnected to energize such circuits as described to cause a short wavecode signal to be generated. It is noted that the jewel 24J of FIG. 13may be so compressed to complete the circuit between the battery and thesignal generating means described when it is disposed within the cavityof the lock or switch recepticles described. Notation 23PW refers to ashaped cavity formed in the outer surface of plug 23P into which the endof a wrench such as an Allen wrench, may be inserted for tightening orloosening the plug for battery replacement and removal. Notation 97refers to a cup shaped sleeve of insulating plastic surrounding thebattery when it is disposed in recess 23PC. The ring structure shown inFIG. 13 may also be employed to power light emitting diodes to generatethe desired light code to be read by photoelectric cells as describedwhen the ring crown is disposed in a cavity of a lock or switchrecepticle.

In FIG. 14 is shown one form of the invention, which is a modified formof the system illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the coded card 20 thereof isreplaced by a thin disc electronic circuit which is attached to aconvenient device worn by the person whose coded finger ring is employedto activate a lock servo motor or solenoid or to close or open a switchas described. The coded finger ring 11 is shown supported by a finger ofthe hand of the subscriber or operator. A digital electronic wristwatch96 is shown secured to the wrist of the hand holding the finger ring, bymeans of a watch band 96B. Secured to and disposed in abutment with theflat rear face of the housing 96H of the wristwatch 96 is a disc-shapedchip or card 97 containing a suitable electronic circuit which is tunedand operable, as described, to affect an energy field F generated by acode receiver which is activated when the crown of the finger ring 11 isdisposed within the cavity 14 of the receptacle 13 of the pick-up whichis located within the lock housing 12. The remaining circuits which formpart of the system 10G of FIG. 14 are similar to those previouslyillustrated and described in FIGS. 1-3 wherein the parallel outputs 12Bof the lock pick-up generate a parallel code as a result of reading thecode associated with the ring 11, which parallel code is passed to acode comparator, which is employed together with the enabling signalgenerated on the output 18A of code transceiver 18 when it properlydetects the variation in the energy field F of the code generated by thecircuits of card 97 in response to the energy field generated on theoutput of the antenna 19. In other words, in order to enable the doorlock to be opened or to open same or operate a motor for opening a dooror other device, both the code read when the crown of the ring 11 isscanned as it is inserted into the cavity of the receptacle 13, and thecode generated by the flat circuit 97, define whether the lock, door orother motor may be properly operated.

In FIG. 15 is shown greater details of the watch 96 of FIG. 14 whereinsaid watch 96 includes a housing 96H with a side and rear/wall portion96H and a lensor transparent cover 96A defining the major portion of thefront wall of the housing as shown in the cross-sectional view.Supported within the housing 96H is an electronic circuit formed on achip 96C, which circuit includes time keeping and driving logicalelements provided, either thereon or on separate chips supported by thecircuit 96C.

Supported adjacent the rear face of the circuit board 96C is a chip,disc or card 99 containing a microminiature electronic circuit of thetype which will either generate an output short wave signal in responseto the energy from field F or will be tuned to the code transceiver 18and so affect the energy field F as to be easily recognizable by thecode transceiver which generates a recognition signal on the output 18Athereof when the watch housing 96 and the circuit chip 99 is within asuitable range of the antenna 19 of the code transceiver 18.

Thus it is noted that when the ring 11 is properly disposed within thecavity 14 of receptacle 13 and the watch housing 96 is located near theantenna 19, the effect is such that the two signals generated on theouput of a lock pick-up and housing 12 in the code transceiver 18 may beemployed to activate a switch or relay for control purposes such asdescribed above.

Whereas in FIG. 14 the coded electronic card or chip 97 is operable toactivate the code transceiver 18 in the manner described in FIG. 1, inFIG. 15 the watch housing 96 contains a similar electronic circuitcontaining chip or card 99 disposed therein, as illustrated, against therear face of the electronic circuit board 96C containing the timegenerating and display circuits for the watch. The assembly 96 of FIG.15 includes in addition to the watch housing 96H, a push button 96S foroperating the switch which may be utilized to activate the time displaycircuits and the display elements of the electronic components supportedby the watch circuit board 96C and, if the circuits of the circuit boardor chip 99 which are employed to activate the code transceiver 18 arebattery operated by means of a battery 96E supported within the housing,the switch 96S or an auxiliary switch may also be employed to complete acircuit between said battery and the circuit or circuits supported byboard or chip 99. In such a latter embodiment, the code generatingcircuits supported by chip 99 may be operable to generate such code andtransmit it via short wave radio to the code transceiver 18 and employedwith or without the lock pick-up in housing 12 to open a lock or door oroperate another device when the push-button 96S or an auxiliary switchsupported by or within the housing 96H is manually or otherwise operatedby the person wearing the watch. The battery 96E may be employed topower operate both the circuit supported by the circuit board or chip96C and chip 99. Notation 96A refers to a transparent cover or crystalfor the face of the watch.

In modified forms of the devices and systems illustrated in FIGS. 14 and15, it is noted that the code generating circuits supported by the chipor board 99 of FIG. 15 may also be formed directly on the main watchchip or circuit board 96C and powered by the battery 96E at all times orwhen manually operated switch is closed. Such circuit may also be apassive circuit operable in the manner described to be energized by theenergy field F when in the vicinity of the antenna 19 and to generateand transmit a code as described or to alter the energy field in thevicinity of the antenna 19 as described for activating code transceiver18.

In still another embodiment of the wrist mounted assembly 96 of FIG. 15or the ring 11, it is noted that a microphone or other sound responsivetransducer may be supported or within the housing 96H and may beoperable to convert sound, such as a word spoken by the person wearingthe watch, to electrical analog audio signals which may be broadcast perse by a short wave transmitter formed of microminiature circuit elementsupported by either or both the circuit boards 96C and 99 or may bedigitized and broadcast as digital code signals to be received by thecode transceiver 18 and employed thereby for identification and/or lockor door opening purposes as described herein. The analog or digitalsignals derived from a particular spoken word or words may be analyzedin the code transceiver 18 by digitizing and comparator means before theresults of such analysis are employed to activate a switch or lock sothat only ahtoirized persons or subscribers to the system may effectsuch lock or door activation or identification.

It is noted that the systems and devices heretofore described andillustrated in the drawings may be employed for security purposes and toserve functions other than to effect the opening of a door lock, gatemovement or the like. Such other functions are noted as follows:

1. The combination of a coded or electronic ring and electronic card orthe use of either per se may be employed to initiate the operation of amachine, such as an electric motor or solenoid operated or controlledproduction machine which would not ordinarily be operable by the localclosure of a manually operated switch. Such machines as metal workingmachinery, printing machines such as copiers, record playing machinesfor playing back recorded messages, product or material dispensingmachines, etc., may be cyclically or continuously operated when, forexample, a finger ring is brought into the vicinity of or inserted intoa receptacle and/or when an electronic circuit containing card or otherdevice containing such a circuit is carried to the vicinity of a sourceof radiation and a detector of variations in such radiation as effectedby means of the described card.

2. Either or both the described coded or electronic ring and card may beemployed to effect the closure of a switch or a series of switches foreffecting or controlling the operation of one or more machines, such asa vehicle, when the ring is inserted into the described receptacleand/or the circuit card described is brought into the vicinity of adetector therefor of the type described. Such arrangement may becombined with the operation of one or more additional controls orswitches by the person carrying the ring and/or card to effect theoperation and control of a vehicle, for example, by connecting a batterywith the starting motor or driving motor of the vehicle or enabling suchconnection by the manually effected closure of a further switch such asan ignition switch therefor.

3. Failsafe and detection means may be provided in any of the systemsdenoted 10-10E which have been described, to either sound an alarm toremotely indicate or effect the recording of an event, such as theinsertion of the crown of a finger ring into the described receptaclewithout the presence of a second device such as the circuit card 20 ofFIG. 1. In other words, the failure to provide the secondary card 20 ofFIG. 1 in the vicinity of the lock or scanner for the finger ring, whendetected by a suitable logical switching and control arrangementtriggered, for example, when the described read switch is actuated byinsertion of the finger ring into the receptacle cavity 14 withoutdetection of a suitable code generating card in the radiation field, maybe utilized to operate a remote or local alarm, and/or operate aphotographic or television camera to scan and perhaps record events inthe vicinity of the door or other device being tampered with.

4. In addition to the stationary and moving scanning means for thefinger ring code described above, it is noted that relative movement maybe effected between the described crown of the finger ring and one ormore transducers which are operable to read the code of the ring, bymerely moving the hand containing the ring in a pivoting movement aboutthe wrist to cause the crown of the ring to describe a circular movingpath defined by its sliding engagement with the concave surface of thewall of the cavity 14. Such sliding rotational movement may be such asto effect the scanning of the coded strip or elements 25 of the ring bya stationary photosensor or a number of such photosensors, to generate aparallel or series code on their outputs which code may be automaticallycompared by means of a comparator, as described, and utilized to effectone or more of the switch operating or motor controlling operationsdescribed above.

5. The active or passive circuits of the finger ring and the radiationfield generating and detection circuits described above may be employedto operate a solenoid or motor for opening and or closing a valve suchas a valve in a line leading to a dispensing faucet or nozzle to effectthe dispensing of a liquid therefrom when the ring or a card is in thevicinity of the faucet, nozzle or valve and the electronic circuitcontrolling same. The filed generating and detection circuits describedand located in housing 12A of the drawings may be provided either in thefaucet hardware or supported by the sink, basin or chemical containerfor the liquid. In such a system, the field generating and detectioncircuits described are preferably powered by a step down transformergenerated current available at 12-28 volts to avoid electrocution orshock in the event of a short circuit.

6. Logic circuit means may be provided in the described circuits forenergizing an alarm and/or operating a camera such as a photographiccamera or television camera to take a picture of the person presenting afinger ring and/or coded card to the detection and lock or dooractivating means when such ring or card does not contain an enablingcode or each time such a card and/or ring is so presented thereto.

7. The described rings and or coded cards may be employed in anidentification and lock opening or door opening system wherein a voiceidentification means is provided to enable the described automaticfunctions to occur when the ring or card is presented to the readertherefore and the voice signals generated by a microphone when the ringwearer speaks therein, are automatically analyzed and identified as aresult of such alalysis.

8. In addition to effecting the opening of a door lock as described, thesignal generated when the ring and/or card is presented to the readermay also be operable to control a motor to open a closed door for aperson when the ring and/or card is presented to the reader andradiation field detector.

9. The recepticles 13 for the ring crown portions which are shown inFIGS. 1,4,5,6,7 and 8 may be provided with bristle or brush elementsextending thereacross for cleaning or removing dust from the crowns ofthe rings presented thereto, if necessary, to improve the readingfunction.

10. The ring crown described may contain one or more magnets of thepermanent or electrically energized types which generate magnetic fieldsof coded types for activating suitable detection circuits in the pick-uphousings which function, as described, in generating enabling signalswhen proper field detection is effected.

11. In yet another mode of operation, a single photoelectric detectormay be employed to read the code of a finger ring for the purposedescribed by pivotal movement of the crown of the ring in the recepticleby pivoting the hand at the wrist so as to cause the photocell in thereader recepticle to read the code of the ring as the elements thereofare caused to scan past the photocell by such pivotal movement. Theoutput of the photocell is a series code which may be converted toparallel code by a series-to-parallel converter and then presented tothe described comparator for generating the described enabling signal. Aplurality of such stationery photoelectric detectors such as a bankthereof may also be employed to generate one or more parallel enablingcodes as the ring crown is so pivoted to swept past the detectors bymoving the hand or pivoting it at the wrist.

12. The auxilliary coded card 20 of FIG. 1 may be replaced by a similarcode bearing device such as a housing for a wrist watch wherein thedescribed function for the card may be performed by the code circuitsrecorded on or within the housing of the watch. The device may comprisea conventional spring wound or electronic wrist watch containingadditional active or passive circuits or a circuit of the type describedfor generating a code when a push button switch is activated, inresponse to the pulses generated by the time keeping circuits or whenotherwise activated, such as by means of the radiation field described,and means for transmitting such code by short wave or affecting thereceiving means for activating the switch or lock opening meansdescribed when in the vicinity of the described lock pickup or switchactivating circuits described. Such wrist watch support circuit may alsobe employed as a replacement for the described finger rings in thecircuits and systems hereinbefore described and illustrated in thedrawings, wherein it is merely necessary to bring the watch into thevicinity of the lock detection circuit.

13. Either or both the described coded watch and card or coded fingerring and coded card may be employed to open a normally closed switch,close a normally open switch or operate a flip-flop or bistable switcheach time the former is brought into the vicinity of the detector orpickup described, to control a variety of different machines orelectrically controlled devices. Either or both may also be used inconjunction with another switch, which may be operated by a conventionalkey, proximity detector for the person employing the ring or card orother switch operating means for opening a lock or door or operating amachine or motor controlling switch as described when all switches areactivated by either providing such switches either in series circuitwith each other or connecting same to a logic circuit such as the ANDcircuits described.

14. The watch containing active or passive circuit(s) described abovemay be supported within the watch housing containing the watch mechanismor circuits as part of or separate from the watch electronic timekeeping circuit or separate therefrom within the housing, in anauxilliary chamber exterior of the watch circuits or on the rear face ofthe watch housing. For example, a circuit of the type printed on thecoded card 20 of FIG. 1 may be printed or otherwise formed on a circularthin card or thin disc and bonded by pressure sensitive adhesive to therear face of the watch housing for use as described to activate aswitch, open a lock or cooperate with the described finger ring or cardin effecting such a function or functions.

The use of such a coded circuit containing ring, disc or card mayinclude a number of the described functions for opening a lock or door,deactivating an alarm, gaining access to recorded information, creditverification, personal identification or any other function wherein thecoded member may be employed per se to effect the particular functionand/or used in combination with one of the other devices (e.g. card,watch circuit, disc or ring) to effect one or more of such functions.The code generating or radiation field modifying circuits provided asdescribed in the card 20 of FIG. 1 may also form part of the describedfinger rings or watch assemblies for performing the same functionsthereof.

15. In yet another form of the invention it is noted that one or more ofthe code generating means described above and illustrated in thedrawings may be employed as described or in modified forms thereof forpurposes other than opening a lock or door such as in identifying thebearer of the electronic key, card, ring or watch containing the codegenerating means for the purpose of completing a transaction, gainingaccess to recorded information or remotely operating a device such asmagnetic recorder-reproduction unit, lock or machine. In one form ofsuch a system, the wearer or holder of the electronic code generatingdevice or coded ring or card may, by closing a read switch of the typedescribed, initiate a transaction or enabling operation which may beeffected by communication along wires such as telephone lines extendingfrom one terminal of the system to another containing the device to beactivated or controlled. In another form, an audio signal or code may begenerated at one telephone terminal and transmitted on a connected lineto a second terminal at which the person holding or wearing the ring keyor coded card may be located. The signal received from the firstterminal may be employed to energize or operate a code reading devicesuch as one of those described for photoeletrically reading the code ofthe ring and/or generating short wave radiation for energizing the codegenerating means of the ring or code or the described energy fieldgenerator to permit the operation thereof as described in effectingdescribed switch activating or code generating functions, which effectsthe closure of a switch or other form of machine control at the terminalremote from the key ring wearer.

16. In a modified form of the control system described in 15 above, theterminal of the telephone or communication system at which the ring keyor card is presented may include means for converting the code generatedwhen the code elements of the ring or card are read or sensed to audiosignals or tone on the connected line so that the code may betransmitted thereby to the terminal of the circuit containing thecomputer of machine to be controlled or to utilize or record such codesignals.

17. In yet another form of the invention, the key king, watch housing,card or other similarly coded device may contain a code generating meansfor generating a specific tone code signal or group of such signals whenactivated and converting same to sounds in the vicinity thereof by meansof a miniature speaker or transducer supported by the ring, card orwatch housing and connected to be modulated or energized by the codesignals generated by their code generating circuit thereof. Such devicemay be energized by a person wearing or holding same while it isdisposed in the vicinity of a telephone mouthpiece to permit the soundsgenerated thereby to be picked up by the mouthpiece transducer andconverted to electrical code signals on the connected telephone circuitwherein such signals are employed at the other terminal to controloperation of a machine, recorder, record playing unit or computer forvarious purposes or to enable the completion of a transaction such as acredit transaction. The receiving terminal for such code signals may beelectrically connected to the telephone line or contain acousticallycoupled means for converting the tone signals received to sounds andthen converted to electrical signals by a suitable transducer whichsignals are utilized as described in enabling the operation of amachine, recorder or other device as described.

18. In the key and lock opening or switch activating and control systemsdescribed above, each subscriber or user of the system may be providedwith a key ring, coded card or chip containing optically scannable orelectronic code generating means containing a different recording orcode generating electronic circuit that the optically scannable orcircuits of other subscribers to the system, so that one electronic keyor ring will not be capable of opening locks or remotely controllingswitches controllable by another key or keys. The following techniquesand apparatus are noted which may be employed to easily and rapidly formthe described optically scannable code recordings on the ring itself,the rear face of the ring jewel or an insert strip or disc securedbehind the jewel as described:

(A) The code may be provided as dots, strips, bars or concentric circlesof predetermined widths and separations defining the code and effectedby burning or discoloring a substrate to form optically contractingareas thereof or cavities which may be electro-optically scanned by aphotoelectric detector or a bank thereof as described. The same code maybe recorded by depositing coating material admitted to a laser orelectron beam which is intensity modulated and deflection controlled tocreate the code of the surface being so coded. A ribbon or filmcontaining the material to be deposited when the beam strikes same maybe disposed between the beam generator and the surface to be coded.

(B) In the fabrication of electronic keys such as cards or chipscontaining electronic circuits which generate different electrical orshort wave codes when electrically energized as described, a mastercircuit or series of master circuits may be formed by printing metal andother materials or other wise depositing circuit forming material on thecard or ship and an intense radiation beam or beams such as generated bya laser or lasers, electron gun or guns may be intensity modulated orgated on an off and deflection controlled to cause the beam or beams todestroy, inactivate or sever certain circuit components such asinterconnects or discrete withching components of the master circuit soas to leave an operating circuit which will generate a desired code whenelectrically activated or energized. In other words, the master circuitfrom which the specifc code generating circuit is eventually derived isaltered in such a manner that certain elements thereof are eliminatedfrom the operating circuit so as to provide a new circuit which is partof the master circuit and which will generate a specific desired code onan output when it is electrically energized.

(C) In yet another fabrication technique, a master circuit or circuitarray of switching components is formed by printing or other automaticmeans which disposes or form discrete circuit elements such as circuitleads close to each other on a substrate and capable of beinginterconnected thereafter by the selective deposition of conductingmaterial on the substrate such as between film leads or interconnectsextending between switching components formed on the substrate. In oneform such selective interconnection to form code generating circuits iseffected by means of one or more electron or laser beams into which isintroduced circuit forming material such as metals, alloys orsemiconducting material. The beam or beams may also be formed anddirected in such a manner as to cause substrate conducting material tomelt and flow between leads or components to effect selected connectionsof circuits or electrical components formed or otherwise provided on thesubstrate.

(D) A combination of the techniques described in B and C above may beemployed to sever portions of a master circuit and connect otherportions to form new code generating circuits.

The techniques described above may be employed to form microminiaturecircuits from master circuits or patterns of circuit elements other thancode generating circuits.

19. In a modified form of the instant invention, a coded ring, card orwrist watch may be carried or worn by a person and may contain a passiveelectronic circuit or circuits which generates a code when energized byan external field of short wave radiation, as provided for example, bythe transmitter and receiver 18 of FIGS. 1 and 18 wherein the receivedcode or alteration in the field generated caused by the presence of thecard, ring or chip circuit may be utilized to enable the opening of alock or closure of a switch by mechanical means such as a manually heldkey such as a conventional door key or an automobile ignition keyinserted into a door lock or recepticle for a key operated ignitionswitch or other electrical switch adapted to be closed by the turning ofsuch key. In other words the electronic circuit which is provided in thering, watch housing or card and serves, when in the vicinity of anenergy field generator and receiver of the type described, to close afirst switch enabling the completion of an electrical circuit when aconventional key is inserted into a switch closing means such as anautomobile ignition switch recepticle or any other switch closing keyrecepticle and is turned therein. The detection of such electroniccircuit by a detector of the type described may also be employed tooperate a solenoid or motor which drives part of a lock openingmechanism enabling the lock to be opened thereafter by turning aconventional key in the key recepticle of the lock. In the allelectrical system which employes two switches one of which is closed bythe presence and detection of the coded electrical circuit of the ring,card or watch, the local operation of a motor vehicle or other machinemay be effected and maintained only when the circuit is in the vicinityof the detector thereof or the code thereof.

It is noted that the described and illustrated coded finger ring, cardor code containing wrist band or watch may be employed in addition toopening a door or lock or energizing an enabling means for the operationof a machine, also as a means for automatically identifying a person foruse in business transactions, security systems and the like. Forexample, if a pickup, as described, is provided for reading the ringcontained code when the ring is presented to a receptacle for a readingmeans such as a housing associated with a transaction terminal, theelectrical code signals so generated may be applied to a comparatorreceiving a code or codes from a master memory or from a reader intowhich a card, check or transaction slip is inserted which contains thesame code and, if an enabling signal is generated, an indicator isenergized to permit the transaction to be completed or the check ispassed through the reader without rejection. The code signals derived inscanning the ring code may be applied to a computer which also receivessignals derived from a microphone when a word or words of the ringwearer are spoken and received by said microphone. The output of thecomparator, generated when proper voice-code signals are generated andreceived by the comparator, may be applied to an alarm indicating thatthe bearer of the card is the person identified by the card and/or maybe employed to enable a transaction to be completed, open a door orlock, or operate a machine or enable such operation upon suitablefurther control by a person.

It should be understood with respect to all of the embodiments describedabove that power supplies having the correct polarities and magnitudesare provided, where not indicated in the drawings, so as to supplyproper electrical energy for appropriately operating the variousillustrated circuits as described in the specification.

I claim:
 1. An electrically operated lock system comprising incombination:first means for opening and closing a switch, second meansfor operating said first means to cause said first means to close saidswitch, said second means including electrically controllable means anda short wave pick-up operatively connected to said electricallycontrollable means, third means including a portable short wave codegenerating and transmitting means adapted to be carried by a personseeking to activate said circuit by closing said switch, fourth meansconnected to said pick-up of said second means and operable forelectrically detecting short wave codes generated by said third means,said fourth means being operable to activate said second means tocontrol the operation of said first means, said first, second and fourthmeans being supported on a common support, said third means beingautomatically operable when carried to a given range of said fourthmeans to generate a short wave code receivable by said pick-up anddetectable by said fourth means for causing said fourth means togenerate a control signal for controlling said second means to closesaid switch whereby said switch may be employed to connect a source ofelectrical energy to an electrical circuit when so closed.
 2. Anelectrically operated system in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidthird means is portable and carried by a person to the vicinity of saidshort wave pickup to permit the short wave code generated by said thirdmeans to be received by said pickup.
 3. A system in accordance withclaim 2 wherein said third means is supported within a housing and strapmeans connected to said housing for supporting said housing against thewrist of said person.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 3 whereinsaid housing contains an electronic timepiece.
 5. A system in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said third means is supported in a finger ringdisposed on the finger of a person attempting to activate said switch.6. An electrically operated switching system comprising:first means foropening and closing a switch in an electrical circuit to activate saidcircuit when said switch is closed, second means including electroniccontrol means and a short wave pickup operatively connected to saidelectrical control means, third means including a portable short wavecode generating and transmitting means adapted to be activated when inthe vicinity of said short wave pickup to generate a code signal and toshort wave transmit said code signal to said pickup, and means forconverting the code signals received by said short wave pickup toelectrical code signals, fourth means connected to said pickup andresponsive to said electrical code signals generated from the short wavecode signals received by said pickup for generating a control signal,fifth means for receiving said control signal, sixth means includingcircuit means, a source of electrical energy and a switch adapted toactivate said electrical circuit means by connecting said source ofelectrical energy to said circuit means when said switch is closed, saidfifth means being connected to said sixth means for activating saidswitch when said code electrical signals are received by said fifthmeans.
 7. A method of gaining access to a security locationcomprising:providing a short wave generating means carried by a personseeking access to said security location, and when it is desired to gainaccess to said security location, bringing said short wave codegenerating means into a predetermined range of an energy fieldgenerating means and the energy field thereof and to within an operablerange of a short wave receiver of the code of said code generating meansand causing energy of said energy field to energize said short wave codegenerating means to automatically generate a short wave code, receivingsaid short wave code and thereafter generating electrical signalsrepresentative of the code automatically generated, and applying saidelectrical signals to an electronic analyzing and control circuit andautomatically analyzing said signals by means of said electronic circuitwhereby the applied signals are processed and whereby the analysis ofsuch signals is effected by comparing the received code signals withsignals derived from a memory and generating a control signal when amatch occurs between said received code signals and signals reproducedfrom said memory, and applying said control signal to effect a controlfunction for enabling access to said security location.
 8. A method inaccordance with claim 7 wherein said control signal is applied to effectthe operation of a drive for a motor, which motor is connected tooperate a lock and to open same for enabling access to said securitylocation.